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The very first New York State Fair took place in Syracuse in 1841, where some 10,000 people gathered to hear speeches by dignitaries, view animal exhibits and watch a plowing contest. Today, in addition to animal and agriculture exhibits, the event is a giant 12-day celebration of food, music and community.

Special events

Opening Day, Thursday, Aug. 27
Gates open at 8 a.m., and there is usually a line. It's Governor's Day.

Law Enforcement Day, Friday, Aug. 28
Free admission to any active law enforcement personnel who presents a badge and/or picture ID from the law enforcement department from which they are employed.

Pride Day, Friday, Aug. 28
For many years, LGBT people had unofficially gathered on first Fridays at the fair to celebrate. This year, on Aug. 28, they will also be publicly recognized at the first official Pride Day at NYS Fair. A Rainbow Flag will wave at the main gate of the fairgrounds in Geddes. LGBT community members will be invited to march in the fair's nightly parade. Melissa Etheridge will give a free concert at 8 p.m. at Chevy Court.

Fire & Rescue Day, Tuesday, Sept. 1
Free admission to any active member of a fire department or emergency services organization who has a duly issued picture ID from that department or organization.

Beef Day, Tuesday, Sept. 1

Women's Day, Wednesday, Sept. 2
Attend the annual Women's Day Luncheon plus many special events have been planned throughout the day. Highlighted events include the Fine Arts and Photo Exhibition in the Art & Home Center as well as judging in the Culinary Arts area. During the entire day, various women's advocacy organizations will be at a "mini-fair" set up in the Chevy Court Pavilion.

Six Nations Day, Friday, Sept. 4
Native Americans receive free admission on this day. ID is not required, but it is asked that attendees enter through Gate 4 only.

Student's Day, Friday, Sept. 4
Youths 18 years old and under admitted free on this day. ID showing date of birth may be requested to allow free admittance.

Grange Day, Saturday, Sept. 5

Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7
Labor Day is to honor those working women and men who make American strong. Supporters of labor can meet at 10 a.m. near Gate 4 and then at 10:30 a.m. they will march to Chevy Court for a Labor Day rally.

Parking and admission

Admission: Adult advance sale $6.00, $10.00 at the gate; Children under 12 free every day.

Hours: Gates open at 8 a.m. Exhibit buildings are open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Labor Day, exhibit buildings close at 9 p.m. The midway is open 10 a.m. to midnight every night except on Labor Day, when it closes at 9 p.m.

Parking: Parking lots surrounding the fairgrounds can accommodate 23,000 cars. Parking is $5. For a map and directions visit the fair's website. Parking is $5. Visitors can pay in cash or via EZ-Pass.

Temporary RV parking: You can apply for a 12-day RV parking until 4:30 p.m. Aug. 14. After that, any remaining spots can be purchased at the parking office at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23. To apply in advance, you need to get the 2015 RV Parking packet.

» For information about other festivals taking place this summer in Upstate New York, visit our festivals page.